honored with gondola and diamonds in Kitzbühel

Pinturault Kitzbühel Super Combined winner: Photo GEPA

Alexis Pinturault won in Kitzbühel three times in three years: 2014, 2015 and 2016. On August 2, 2023, Kitzbühel recognized the Frenchman’s achievements and awarded him a gondola and a pin decorated with diamonds to celebrate his achievement.

Only a few athletes have won at Kitzbühel. Even fewer won more than once. Less than a dozen won three or more times. Kitzbühel’s racing history celebrates ten athletes that have achieved this feat, including Anderl Molterer, Jean-Claude Killy, Kjetil André Aamodt and Ivica Kostelić.

Pinturault welcomed the chance to visit Kitzbühel with a relaxed mindset compared to his 26 competitive visits. “Today is very special, because normally we come to Kitzbühel to fight and to give a great performance. Today, I’m relaxed and very proud of my achievements here.”

Receiving a gondola in Kitzbühel is impressive; the diamond pin is extra special. Pinturault has been competing at Kitzbühel since his World Cup premiere in 2011. Upon reflection, Pinturault said, “It’s also funny that in 2013 I skied my very first World Cup downhill run on the Streif. Looking back, it was an advantage that I felt right at the beginning of my career how strenuous and difficult a downhill run can be.”

In January, Kitzbühel will host its first team-combined World Cup event. Pinturault is excited for the event to premiere and hopeful that he will be competing. In this new competition, a downhill skier and a slalom skier (from the same nation) form a team and fight for victory: “Hopefully, I can start in the downhill. I’m not the favorite to start, but it’s my wish and my goal,” says Pinturault, who wants to reach for the fourth combination triumph in Kitzbühel.

Quotes and information courtesy of hahnenkamm.com